Interview moversand verify their licenses. Schedule your move about a month in advance. If possible, choose weekday pickup and delivery because movers are usually less busy midweek.

Inform your television, internet, cellular phone, electric, water and gas providers of your shut-off date or new address if you are continuing service. Have utilities turned on at your new home at least one day before you arrive.

If you are packing your own boxes, start the process at least one week before the scheduled move. Label each box with its contents and room destination.

Do not pack money, expensive jewelry, medication or important documents; carry these with you. If moving high-value household goods, such as artwork or antiques, get appraisals for these items and pay for trip insurance to protect against damage or loss.

Mark one box as “last on, first off the truck.” This box should include light bulbs, water, towels and toilet paper.

File a change of address with the U.S. Post Office. You can file in person or by calling (800) 275-8777. You can also take care of this online at the post office’s website. For $1, you can get ID verification.

Stop by the bank. Some moving companies may require payment in cash before unloading. Have enough cash to cover any deposits, moving costs and tips.

]]>Portable Storage vs. Storage Facilitieshttp://local.dexknows.com/portable-storage-vs-storage-facilities/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=portable-storage-vs-storage-facilities
Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:07:54 +0000http://local.dexknows.com/?p=1514It used to be that finding extra storage meant driving to a self-storage facility, loading your items into the space and driving away. Now, thanks to mobile storage pods, a company can bring the box to you to load. There are pros and cons to both options. Read to learn more and, either way, start your search at DexKnows storage.

Self-storage

A self-storage unit is usually a steel-enclosed space. It may have a regular door or a roll-up door, depending on the facility and whether it is an interior or garage-style unit.

Self-storage units come in different sizes, often more sizes than mobile storage. You drive up during business hours or, if the facility offers such service, after hours by typing in your security code and gaining entry essentially 24 hours a day.

These storage facilities provide easy access. It requires you to drive to and from your unit, which may mean renting a moving truck or van if you have a lot to store. It may be cheaper than a mobile pod, but it’s wise to compare the time involved and all costs, including transportation, before deciding.

Mobile storage

With this type of storage, a company brings portable storage units to you. You tell the company how much you have to store and the company drops off how may pods it believes you will need. You pack them up at your convenience and call the company to bring them back to the storage facility or sometimes leave them on your property. There are limited choices in sizes.

The advantage is you don’t have to rent a moving truck. When you call the mobile storage company, a truck comes by, grabs yours containers and stacks them back at the storage facility. It not only offers that convenience, but with self-storage units, how much you pack per trip is limited by the size of vehicle you drive or rent.

There are disadvantages to the pods, however. Self-storage facilities may give you more immediate and around the clock access to your belongings, while you may have to call ahead to get into portable storage units. Portable pods are often stacked and getting you access means unstacking them. So, if all of a sudden, you want your favorite blanket you stuck in storage, getting to it isn’t going to be that easy.

Mobile storage prices may include the cost of transportation fees and gas. To make a decision, compare those costs with how much it would cost to rent a moving truck.

Weigh the options of self-storage versus portable storage units depending on your own circumstances. As you consider your choices, check what’s available in your community through DexKnows storage.

]]>Tips for Hiring a Mover or Moving Companyhttp://local.dexknows.com/tips-for-hiring-a-mover-or-moving-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tips-for-hiring-a-mover-or-moving-company
Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:51:23 +0000http://besmartlocal.dexknows.com/?p=596Moving can be all-consuming and stressful, especially if you have a family. Hiring a moving company can ease that burden and free you up to handle other tasks. It does take some planning and research. Read through these tips and don’t forget to start your search for moving companies at DexKnows.

Plan early and thoroughly

If at all possible, hiring a mover isn’t something to rush. The Better Business Bureau recommends planning at least six to eight weeks before you move so you have time to find and hire a reliable mover.

As you get referrals from friends and look through DexKnows, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if a mover is reputable or has any complaints against it. You may also want to search for BBB-accredited moving companies. You should call at least three moving companies to get estimates. Ask for printed or emailed copies of estimates rather than estimates over the phone. If an estimator comes by your house, make sure to show everything you plan to have moved.

Talk insurance

Insurance should be among the top issues to address with potential movers. Ask what insurance the mover carries. The Better Business Bureau says to ask movers about how they handle complaints if there is any damage to your items. Consumers may be able to buy extra liability coverage if needed.

You may also want to check with the insurance agent who handles your property insurance to see if your coverage handles moving. Your agent may be able to recommend additional coverage.

Take inventory

Make a thorough list of your items before you talk to the mover. Sometimes, the moving company or a representative will make an onsite visit to do an inventory. In any case, you should have a list so the mover has an idea of what the move will involve and can give you as accurate of an estimate as possible. Also, be sure to note whether you have any antiques or valuables that need special handling, and whether you will want the movers to do any packing.

Swap paperwork

The Better Business Bureau cautions that there are numerous scam artists in the moving industry. It suggests asking for documentation and permits that prove the company is a reputable moving company legally permitted to operate, especially if you plan on crossing state lines.

You also want to give them any information you can. Prepare a map of how to get to your new destination and share it with your mover. Give the moving company any information you can of the layout of both your present location and your destination. This will help the mover prepare for any potential issues, including tight squeezes.

Packing

Be sure to label the contents of each box. Mark the boxes of essentials that you will need right away in your new place. The movers will make sure those are the last on, first off.

Moving day

If possible, take any valuables and important documents with you rather than including them in the move.

Be there to watch the packing and unpacking and make sure any items that are damaged are marked down and acknowledged by the mover.

A storage unit is a pack rat’s dream, but there can come a time when you have too much. There are benefits to keeping your storage unit tidy and cleaning it out.

Check out the following tips on cleaning out your self storage unit, and don’t forget to scan through DexKnows’ storage listings when you are searching for a provider or looking for a better deal.

Clean it out completely

Sure, it’s work. You may be tempted to just grab a few things from your storage unit or redistribute how you packed it. That isn’t going to do the trick. Clean the unit out completely. You will be able to sweep out the unit and better organize your stuff. It will give you a chance to clean out any trash that may have accumulated or items that you really don’t need anymore.

You can also redistribute items among your boxes to keep them full and to redistribute the weight so there is less danger of boxes tipping over. This will be especially helpful if you have boxes to add. This way, you can find the best place to set each box and use the space wisely.

Sweep it out

While your storage unit may be organized, take the time to sweep it out. Keep an eye out for any evidence of bugs or rodents, and if you see a problem, report it to the management. Check with the storage personnel on best practices for placing traps or spraying insecticide.

Organize your storage

Make sure you can still get into the unit once storing your items. If you have furniture or shelving units, place them to the sides.

If you have items you are less likely to need in the near future, put them at the rear. Keep items you may need sooner where you can easily access them. Write on the boxes or use an index card to list what’s in each box. This will help with your search.

Protect valuable items like furniture with heavy blankets or coverings so that they are not damaged if other items are placed on top. This may be the time to buy some additional shelves or other supplies such as drop covers.

Look for hidden treasures

If you’ve used a storage unit for an extended period of time, there’s a chance that you’ve stored away items that you can’t remember. Take the time to look through and search for hidden treasures that you may not need, but someone else may. Consider placing the items on eBay or selling them elsewhere.

Host a garage sale

If you have an abundance of items, you may want to host a garage sale and turn some of those unneeded items into cash. You may also want to look around the house for other items that you don’t regularly use. This way, you can prevent adding more to your storage unit later.

As you read through these tips, consider whether this is the time to look for a better self storage deal.